Models of Interpretation Flashcards
Dante’s Four Fold Model of Exegesis
Moral/tropological
Allegorical/typological
Literal
Eschatological
Exoteric/esoteric?
OT - exoteric: meant for understanding by ALL the people of Israel
NT - esoteric: Messianic secret, protection from persecution
Which quote from Deuteronomy shows the OT’s exoteric nature?
Deuteronomy: ‘the commandment is not hidden from thee…it is not in heaven….neither is it beyond the sea….but the word is very nigh onto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart’
Which quote from Mark shows the NT’s esoteric nature (except Revelation)?
Mark: ‘unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that in seeing they my see, and not perceive’
What is interesting about the justification of parable in Mark (NT)?
After explaining the nature of the parable he then performs a miracle - making the sea still - showing the need for literal ‘proof’?
Frank Kermode - insider/outsider’
‘In all works of interpretation there are insiders and outsiders’
Frank Kermode - parable
Compares to secular narrative, in its nature of withholding or disclosing for a narrative purpose
Henry Virkler’s model of interpretation
1) Lexical-syntactical
2) Historical-cultural
3) Contextual
4) Theological
5) Special literary analysis (comparison)
Vern Polythress’ model
1) Orignal time and context
2) Transmission and context (translation, revision, etc)
3) Modern context (how is it applicable now?)
Roman Catholic principles of interpretation
Historico-grammatical
‘Reverence’
Principle of inerrancy
Pope’s interpretation as supreme authority
Name some different principles of interpretation
Historical-grammatical (original context)
Dispensational; Covenental; New-Covenetal
First mention principle
Progressive mention principle
Direct statement principle
Ricoeur
It is possible to read the Bible free from considerations of its original context - using ‘direction of thought opened up by the text’ to uncover its meaning
Hirsch
meaning of a text must be linked to its context to establish the range of possible meanings
Adela Collins
Interpretation has ethical implications - range of interpretations must be limited (e.g. to prevent persecution/scapegoating)
Who notes the role of canon?
George Achiele
